Information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009

Under a new Alberta Health Services protocol, whenever there is greater than 10% absenteeism due to illness in a school setting, Public Health will investigate and recommend preventive measures to the school. Recent reports from Peace Wapiti School Division, located in the Grande Prairie region, indicates that three of their schools have reported absenteeism of greater than 10% of their student population related to illness. The Fort Vermilion School Division is well aware that some of our schools may be affected by the H1N1 Virus at some point. Schools are prepared to take necessary action should students or staff become ill with influenze-like illness (ILI).

The following links provide helpful information from Alberta Health Services:

Questions and Answers for Parents of School-Aged and Preschool Children

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Information for the General Public

Influenza Self-Care (Flu prevention and what to do if you get the flu)

The Public Health Agency of Canada also provides some very useful information in their H1N1 Preparedness Guide.

We ask that you continue to encourage your children to use good hand-washing practices, coughing etiquette (such as coughing into your sleeve), and to stay home if they are feeling ill. Should your child become ill while at school, they will be taken to rest in an area away from the rest of the students until you are able to pick them up. Sick students will not be sent home on the school bus. Should your child become ill and need to stay home, we ask that you let the school know of the reason for their absence to assist us in our efforts to effectively monitor the situation.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority and we will continue to carefully monitor the health situations in our facilities and will take necessary steps, such as increased cleaning standards, should the need arise.